Roland Whately: A Novel

Roland Whately returns to Fernhurst on a brisk September afternoon, choosing the early train to claim the best dormitory corner and a coveted study. The journey, cramped with nervous younger boys, already hints at his competitive spirit and the small decisions that shape his school life. He arrives eager to settle in, negotiating with the custos for gas fittings and fresh curtains while trading a half‑crown for a quick fix.

Inside the ancient halls, Roland navigates the routines of a boarding school that values privilege and camaraderie in equal measure. He meets the stern matron, the indifferent staff, and the quiet tuck‑shop where he retreats to collect his thoughts. As the Abbey clock chimes, he reflects on the cost of his haste, setting the stage for friendships, rivalries, and the subtle power plays that will define his term.